CLEVELAND - Fearing they might lose him to a division rival, the Cleveland Browns signed offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski to a two-year contract extension through 2011 yesterday.

Chudzinski, who transformed the Browns' offense into one of the NFL's top units in his first season, had been scheduled to interview for Baltimore's head coaching vacancy.

However, Browns general manager Phil Savage stepped in before Chudzinski, a graduate of St. John's Jesuit, had a chance to meet with the Ravens and awarded the 39-year-old the extension which will keep him on Romeo Crennel's staff.

"Romeo and I felt it was important to keep Rob in place as offensive coordinator to maintain our continuity on that side of the ball," Savage said in a statement. "He did a terrific job this year, and we're looking forward to what this group can accomplish next season."

Chudzinski, who rejoined the Browns this season, had been signed through the 2009 season. Under his guidance, Cleveland's offense scored 402 points, averaged 25.1 points per game, and finished ranked eighth in total yards. Last season, the Browns scored 238 points and ranked 31st in offense.

The Browns were worried that Chudzinski could do the same for the Ravens, who fired Brian Billick on Dec. 31 following a 5-11 season.

With Chudzinski calling plays, Cleveland was the only team in the league to have a 1,000-yard rusher (Jamal Lewis) and two 1,000-yard receivers (Kellen Winslow, Braylon Edwards). Also, quarterback Derek Anderson, who began the season as Charlie Frye's backup, threw for 29 TDs and was named a Pro Bowl alternate.

"Rob did a really good job in his first year as offensive coordinator," Crennel said. "He was knowledgeable with the system, had a good relationship with the players, and I'm glad he will remain with the organization."

Chudzinski was San Diego's tight ends coach before joining Crennel's staff. Cleveland's offense carried the Browns, who went 10-6 this season and barely missed making the AFC playoffs.

He was Cleveland's tight ends coach in 2004 under Butch Davis. Chudzinski was also Winslow's position coach at the University of Miami.

Chudzinski grew up as a big Browns fan in Toledo and has enjoyed returning to the area. His wife, Sheila, recently gave birth to their second child.

"I would like to thank Ozzie Newsome and the Baltimore Ravens organization for considering me as a candidate for their head coaching position," Chudzinski said. "However, at this time it was the best decision for me both personally and professionally to stay in Cleveland and continue the rebuilding process with the Browns.

"I'm pleased with the progress we made as an offensive unit this season, and I feel this team is headed in the right direction."

First Published January 8, 2008, 1:53 p.m.